County by county news for Friday

Most of the branches will be reduce hours by opening an hour later and closing an hour earlier. The Acworth, Hattie G. Wilson, Lewis A. Ray, Sibley and Sweetwater branches will be closed on Fridays. The changes take effect May 1.

The reductions are part of a plan by county officials to close a $31 million mid-year budget gap.

A full listing of the schedule changes is available at http://www.cobbcat.org/images/ChangesFlyer-NewHours-5-1-2011-System.pdf. Janel Davis

School board gets first look at budget

Cobb school board members will get their first look at the district’s proposed budget Thursday, at the board’s regularly scheduled meeting. Budget officials said they planned to present a balanced 2012 budget, despite previous estimates showing the district was facing a $40 million to $50 million shortfall. The budget will still likely include furlough days and delayed salary increases, but additional cuts are not expected. The meeting will be at 7 p.m. at 514 Glover St. in Marietta. Jaime Sarrio

Plant sale benefits Root House Museum

Gardeners will have a chance this weekend to buy plants from some of the best gardens and nurseries in Marietta. Cobb Landmarks & Historical Society’s annual heirloom plant sale will be 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m, Friday and Saturday at the Root House Museum, North Marietta Parkway at Polk Street. Cobb Master Gardeners will give advice and answer questions at the sale that benefits the 1850’s living history museum. Information: www. cobblandmarks.com. Tucker McQueen for the AJC

Tritt celebrates 30 years

Tritt Elementary this month celebrated its 30 year anniversary with a school event attended by present and former students, staff and community. Tritt opened in September 1980 and was named for Will Tritt (1887-1955), a lifelong resident of the area and a strong advocate of public education. The school was built on land formerly known as the Post Oak settlement, named for a huge tree at the intersection of Post Oak Tritt and Johnson Ferry Road. A one-room schoolhouse was also located near this tree. Jaime Sarrio

Royal tea to benefit literacy program

Round out Royal Wedding celebrations with a Royal Tea at 11 a.m. Saturday at East Cobb Library, 4880 Lower Roswell Road in Marietta.

The tea will benefit Cobb library’s literacy program.

Visitors are asked to come dressed in hats and gloves for a fashion parade with prizes for the best hats. Complimentary photos will be provided.

Ticks are $35 per pair, and $10 for each additional person, and are available at all Cobb library branches. Information: visit, http://www.cobbcat.org/foundation, or call, 770-528-2196. Janel Davis

Taste of Marietta this weekend

The Taste of Marietta is 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Sunday. Local restaurants will sell menu samples for 50 cents to $4. Festivities include cooking demonstrations and a sunset concert with Banks & Shane. Free parking will be available in lots around the square and the Cobb County parking garage off Lawrence Street.

Tucker McQueen for the AJC

GWINNETT

Warner won’t run for re-election

Snellville council member Tod Warner has announced that he will not run for re-election this fall.

Warner, who ran unopposed for the seat in 2007, said he wanted to spend more time with his family. He is married with three children ranging in age from 6 to 12.

“It started to be a little bit of a burden,” Warner said.

With Warner’s decision, four of the five seats on the council will be up for grabs in the fall.

However, Warner will remain involved in local politics as a board member on the city’s Urban Redevelopment Authority. His appointment was announced Monday. JOEL ANDERSON

Civil War author speaks Sunday

Civil War historian Andrew Smith will speak at 3 p.m. Sunday at the Lawrenceville Female Seminary, 455 S. Perry St., Lawrenceville.

Smith is the author of “Starving the South,” a look at how food affected the war and its legacy. The event is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Books will be available for purchase at the event. Information: www.gwinnettpl.org or call 770-978-5154. David Wickert

Women’s Pavilion dedicates ambulance

To commemorate its 20th anniversary, Gwinnett Medical Center’s Gwinnett Women’s Pavilion dedicated a new neonatal intensive care unit ambulance Tuesday. The ambulance is specifically designed to meet the needs of the smallest babies, 88 of whom were transported to or from the hospital in 2010. A NICU nurse will accompany every transport.

Since it first opened in April 1991, associates have helped deliver over 97,000 babies. Andria Simmons

Suwanee invites residents on a campout

Suwanee is inviting residents to “The Great American Campout” at Sims Lake Park 6 p.m. Saturday.

Events include family games around the lake 7 -- 10 p.m.

Participants should bring flashlights, tents, sleeping bags, non-alcoholic beverages, food and bug spray.

Register in advance; applications are available at www.suwanee.com. Joel Anderson

Kids play hoops for a shot at shopping spree

The NBA Hoop Troop, the league’s youth program, will visit Mall of Georgia in Buford April 30-May 1 as part of its “Shot Clock Shopping Spree.” The touring event gives kids ages 6 to 12 the opportunity to showcase their skills for a chance to win a trip to New York City and take part in a basketball-themed shopping spree with an NBA player.

Children can register online at www.nbahooptroop.com. Patrick FoX

Braselton festival this weekend

Braselton’s Antique and Gardening Festival is 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday in the Braselton Park on Harrison Street.

The festival is free.

Information: 706-824-7204 or www.braseltonfestivals.com. Joel Anderson

NORTHSIDE

Cherokee official surveys Sunday alcohol sales interest

Cherokee County Commissioner Jim Hubbard reports that he did an informal survey on the question of Sunday alcohol sales, sending the question to about 300 Cherokee County people in an e-mail blast list.

The state legislature passed a law that will allow local county and city governments to hold referendums on whether to allow packages sales on Sunday. Sales by the drink on Sunday in restaurants are already legal.

“About 95 percent of the responses were, ‘Put it on the ballot,’” Hubbard said. “A lot of people are not for it, but they think its the right thing to do to put it on the ballot and let voters decide.” Christopher Quinn

DFCS gives Forsyth $500K refund

Interim Forsyth County director of the Georgia Department of Family and Children Services, Kent Dayton, told the Forsyth County Commission this week that the county will get a refund check from DFCS of $523,500 for over-payments dating back to 1995. Dayton said he discovered the county overpaid when reviewing his department’s books, and the money was held in a reserve fund. The county’s annual contribution should be about $160,000, said Dayton. In earlier years it was $300,000. Jeffry Scott

Residents to vote on bike festival art

The Roswell Cultural Arts Board is seeking votes and bids on 10 bicycle art entries displayed on Canton Street. The “Moving Parts of the Arts” is being held in conjunction with the Roswell Cycling Festival this weekend. Proceeds will go to the individual artist and to Roswell’s local arts advocacy organization, ROAR.

Vote at www.roswellgov.com/peopleschoice. Bid at www.roswellgov.com/bikeart.

Deadline is Sunday. Winning artists and bids will be announced Tuesday.

Information: 404-307-9378 or srmevents@yahoo.com. patrick fox

Forsyth County issues water report

The Forsyth County Water & Sewer Department has issued its annual Water Quality Report that can be read online on the county web site and will be mailed to customers next month. The report takes information from more than 1,300 tests conducted in 2010 by the Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources and Forsyth County on the county drinking water, and lists contaminants detected. Information: www.forsythco.com. Jeffry Scott

Sandy Springs garden tour this weekend

The Sandy Springs Society hosts its 10th annual garden tour Saturday and Sunday.

Gates open 10 a.m. -- 5 p.m. Saturday; 1 -- 5 p.m. Sunday.

Tickets: $20 in advance, $25 at the door. Tickets: www.sandyspringssociety.org. Information: 404-252-2787. Joel Anderson

Animal shelter to hold yard sale, clinic

The Shelter Friends in Cherokee County will hold its annual yard sale and mini-clinic to raise money for the county animal shelter 9 a.m. -- 2 p.m. Saturday. Rabies shots are $10 and microchips for $20. Information: shelterfriends@gmail.com

The event will take place at 1015 Univeter Road in Canton. Christopher Quinn

ATLANTA

APS official gets South Carolina post

Atlanta Public Schools has lost another high-ranking official: Randolph Bynum, the city district’s associate superintendent for high schools, was named this week as the new superintendent of schools in Sumter County, S.C.

Bynum officially starts July 1. APS’s deputy superintendent for instruction, Kathy Augustine, was picked last week as a lone finalist to lead the suburban DeSoto Independent School District in Texas. Both of their departures coincide with that of Atlanta Superintendent Beverly Hall, who will leave the district June 30 after a 12-year tenure. Kristina Torres

Spanish classes offered

Spanish classes for adult beginners are offered every Monday at the Dogwood Branch library, 1838 Donald Lee Hollowell Pkwy., Atlanta. The classes last from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Registration: 404-792-4961. Johnny edwards

Walk for Lupus to be April 30

On April 30, nearly 5,000 walkers are expected participate in the 5th Annual Walk for Lupus Now, one of the largest and most profitable lupus walks in the nation.

This year the Georgia Chapter of the Lupus Foundation of America hopes to raise $250,000 to increase awareness about the autoimmune disease which can affect any organ including the joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, blood, or skin. An estimated 1.5 million Americans and at least five million people worldwide have a form of lupus.

The walk will begin at 4 p.m. at Piedmont Park. Ernie Suggs

Atlanta Opera to have Family Day

Area families are invited to the opera on April 30 for the Atlanta Opera’s Family Day.

The program is designed for children in preschool and early elementary school, and will feature crafts, performances, an instrument petting zoo and a kid-friendly food activity.

Activities run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., with performances at 11:15 a.m. and 1:15 p.m. at the Atlanta Opera Center, 1575 Northside Drive NW in Atlanta. Admission is $7 per person and children under 2 are free. Free parking is available on-sight. Information: call 404-881-8801. Janel Davis

DEKALB

Sewage spills into Nancy Creek

Nearly 13,000 gallons of raw sewage spilled into DeKalb County waterways Wednesday, according to the watershed management department.

County water reports show a 12,920-gallon spill into Nancy Creek from the 2100 block of Irvindale Drive in Chamblee.

In December, the federal Environmental Protection Agency mandated the county upgrade its sewage system after more than 800 spills were reported in five years. Michelle E. Shaw

Teacher receives international honor

Christie Schmitt of Arabia Mountain High School was one of four teachers from across the country named a Distinguished Technology Educator by the International Technology and Engineering Educators Association. The mark of distinction in technology and engineering recognizes educators who have shown a high level of competence in technology education.

Jaime Sarrio

Glen Haven hosts crime prevention seminar

The Glen Haven Community Association hosts a crime prevention seminar 7:30 p.m. May 12 at the Straight of Life Church, 4228 Glen Haven Dr., Decatur. The meeting is free and open to the public. Michelle Shaw

Doraville to mark ‘Netherlands Week’

At the regular meeting Thursday of the Doraville City Council, Acting Mayor Donna Pittman will present a proclamation to the Dutch Consul, declaring that week “Netherlands Week” in Doraville. Saturday (Queen’s Day) and Thursday (Liberation Day from Nazi Germany) are both national holidays in the Netherlands. Staff

‘Watchdogs for Justice’ seminar Saturday

There will be a “Watchdogs for Justice” seminar 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday at the Wesley Chapel William C. Brown Library, 2861 Wesley Chapel Road, Decatur. The seminar, hosted by three attorneys and a private investigator, is free and open to the public. Watchdogs for Justice, is a non-profit organization established to decrease the number of young people entering the criminal justice system. Michelle Shaw

Doraville to have amnesty day for tickets

Doraville’s Municipal Court has scheduled an amnesty day for people who have past due, unpaid traffic tickets. The amnesty day will be from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 30 at Municipal Court 3765 Park Ave., Doraville. Fees for past due citations will be waived, but the original citation fines will be due. Information: call the court at 770-455-1001. Rich McKay

Judge to speak at Power Breakfast

The Georgia Association of Latino Elected Officials is hosting its 8th Annual Power Breakfast with the featured speaker Dax Lopez, a DeKalb County State Court Judge.

The event is from 9 to 10:30 a.m. May 20 at the Evergreen Marriott Conference Resort at 4021 Lakeview Drive in Stone Mountain. Check-in starts at 8:30 a.m. The breakfast is a place to connect with the Latino community leaders in Georgia. RSVP and payment are required by May 17. The cost is $25 for non-members and $50 for members. Info: http://bit.ly/8thAnnPBInfo Andria Simmons

SOUTHSIDE

Clayton teacher strips at school, arrested

A Clayton County school teacher who may have been upset about losing his job was arrested after he disrobed at his school and walked around naked.

Harlan Porter, 31, was caught by another teacher walking the halls of B.C. Haynie Elementary School in Morrow with his clothes off, according to a police report.

He was charged with public indecency and indecent exposure, and booked into the Clayton County Jail. By Wednesday, he was out on a $2,000 bond.

The charges are a misdemeanor on a first offense, and Porter has no prior convictions, according to the police report. Ty Tagami

Fairburn turns 911 calls over to Fulton County

Fulton County took over Fairburn’s 911 services on Tuesday in a smooth transition, according to Emergency Services Director Angela Barrett. Fulton already handled emergency calls for Palmetto and Chattahoochee Hills. The county is hiring five more dispatchers to help with the extra calls.

Fairburn will pay the an estimated $120,000 per year. The contract is for ten months with three automatic 12-month renewals. Johnny Edwards

Creekside High hosts ‘fitness frenzy’

Fulton County’s Creekside High School, 7405 Herndon Road, Fairburn is hosting a “fitness frenzy” 10 a.m. -- 3 p.m. May 7. Eric Berry of the Kansas City Chiefs is slated to make a guest appearance. Activities include free health screenings, health education classes, container gardening, face painting, free tennis clinics and instructions in healthy cooking and eating. Sponsors are Campbell, E.C. West and Palmetto elementary schools and Bear Middle School and Creekside. Information: 770-306-4300. Nancy Badertscher

Man, 62, accused of child molestation

A 62-year-old Fayette County man is accused of molesting a juvenile over a two-year period.

Charles Vincent Cataldo Jr., of Kite Lake Road, faces one count of child molestation and is being held without bond in the Fayette County jail, according to jail records.

Cataldo was arrested April 15 following an investigation, according to Brent Rowan with the Fayette County Sheriff’s Office. aLEXIS sTEVENS

Peachtree City to hold landlord training

Peachtree City’s Community Development Division hosts a landlord training class 9 a.m. -- 4:30 p.m. today at City Hall.

The program will focus on landlord/tenant law, maintenance regulations, applicant screening, leases, crisis resolution and evictions. Registration is $10 (including a manual and refreshments) and must be made by April 15. Forms are at the Community Development Office at City Hall and online at www.peachtree-city.org. Jill Howard Church for the AJC

Hapeville hosts ‘Casino Night’ tonight

The Hapeville Exchange Club hosts “Casino Night” 7 -- 10:30 p.m. tonight at the Hoyt Smith Convention Center in Hapeville. All proceeds benefit child abuse prevention programs. Tickets are $75 each or two for $125. Each purchased ticket gives the purchaser 5,000 poker chips to be used at gaming tables and traded in for prizes. John Thompson for the AJC